How do I get the man I love to give me affection?

This would definitely be a deal breaker, if I were you. I don't think he's going to change. You should know that, since you have been dating for so long.

Bad news......If he's not showing affection now he probably never will. It gets worse the longer you stay together. Take it from me (my wife dosen't show any affection either) as the years go on I get more and more lonely. Don't let this happen to you! You may love him but he's not the right man to marry.

Use sex and sexual favors as a negotiating factor. Give him some positive motivation instead of negative (nagging). He'll learn real quick.

Men are not very affectionate compared to women. So first you need to accept that. No offense but guys who are very cuddly and romatic are usually either gay or weirdos. That's just my opinion nobody has to prove/argue otherwise.
For your case, your boyfriend said he cares about you and he will try, that's a good sign. Most men won't even do that. Next step, explain her what affectionate is, give specific examples of what would make you think he is being affectionate about you. But don't expect miracles, as I said men are not too much affectionate and give him some room for that.

I'm in the same situation...we had a conversation and he told me that he has been hurt before and that he doesn't not want be get emotionally attached we have been together for 6 years and like you I need affection. every woman wants to have intimacy passion love some kind of emotional connection without it it just feels like detached sex. I've tried talking but that doesn't work. You can't change a person but you have to make yourself happy first....think long and hard because this is how he is gonna be for the rest of your married life unless he wants to change...and most men don't.

Well you are affectionate he isn't. Its not going to work out. First of all you can not change someone. That is the way he is. That happen to me too. I got married knowing that he wasn't affectionate with me. I just accepted him how he was. Well I was miserable. We divorced 3 years ago. You guys may have a great relationship together but in the long run you are not going to be happy. So if I were you I would take a step back. Talk him about the relationship about your needs as well. Let him know that maybe you both are not ready to get married. Or maybe he is not the guy for you. Its your future, your life. Make good decisions. This will be one of the biggest decisions that you will make. Girl, you deserve to be happy!!

I'd give him specific instructions, like Austin said, explain what you mean in detail because he's a guy and probably doesn't have a clue. It's great that you recognize you need this in your life and that you recognize it now and not 10 years from now when you don't have it and you're miserable. I would demand it, if I were you. How hard is it for a guy to get over himself and show some love?! I'm sure you've done things for him that you didn't want to do. It's called comprimise and he needs to step up. Good luck!